Those Who Use Taste Testers, Please Help...(Long)
Decorating By RitzyFritz Updated 23 Jul 2007 , 12:58pm by mommicakes
I am wanting to try quite a few different cake and cookie recipes (thanks to the made-from-scratch thread on CC!) and I'm wondering the following:
1. Who did you get to taste your goods? I would prefer neutral parties (not family)
2. Is there a form or questionnaire that you give the testers? If so, what questions/categories are on it?
3. How did you ask your potential tester to participate and how did you help them understand this is a serious test run and not something they need to just flippantly reply to?
4. What size do you make for the sample? I know cupcakes are an option, but I am wanting to try different flavors of cake with different fillings. (See number 5)
5. Would a cupcake with the filling piped into the middle be as effective as a small cake with the filling layered?
6. In your opinion, how many positives/negatives do you consider to be the red/green light for a certain flavor?
7. What do you do to keep your costs down on these tests? Any shortcuts/tips on this?
8. How many testers do you use on one item? I have in mind 4 families at this time. Do I need more or less?
9. Is giving the testers more than one flavor at a time smart?
10. Do you have any other tips for me before I embark on this?
I have made a couple cakes that just flat didn't taste right (the flavor combinations) and I was so embarrassed to give them to the recipients. After getting so many wonderful recipes on the scratch cake thread, I decided I'm going to go through a process of trying them with different fillings. But, I want feedback. Honest, brutal feedback. I don't want folks to feel they have to say it is good if it truly isn't. Know what I mean? This is why I thought a questionnaire would be good so they can just maybe go down a list of qualities about the cake and note their opinions.
I'm sorry for making this so long; I just want to do this sensibly but effectively.
Thanks in advance. With all the wonderful people on CC, I know there has to be some expert advice on this subject. Can't wait to hear from you all.
RitzyFritz
Holy cow, you're making a cake, not a new drug! You're overthinking this! 
When I try something different, I send one 8" two-layer cake into work with my husband. His co-workers know they are my official taste testers .... they know I am looking for real feedback so none of that "oh let's be nice!" crap! No form to fill out, no "test" to complete. Just tell me if you like the cake. That's it. I don't worry about how many positives or negatives I get. I just need to know do you like the cake? That's the test. It's only one simple question.
Do you like the cake?
There are about 4 or 5 people that work in his area plus whoever wanders in once the word spreads that "Phil's wife sent in a cake!" They know the difference between a cake I sent in just because and a cake that is sent in for their review. They are very honest and helpful.
I am a mix baker, so when I decided to try the "let's add pudding and an egg" thing, they rejected it big time! They said it didn't "pop" like Debi's cakes usually do. The comment that sealed it was "This cake tastes like every other bakery cake in town." That was it. I haven't worked 25 years so I could taste like everybody else. So we are never adding anything to the mixes ever again.
I didn't need a form. I didn't need a scientific sampling of certain age groups. I sent in a cake and they said, "Bleck! This tastes like sh**!"
That's all I needed to know! 
Thanks for your perspective, indydebi! I don't want to make it complicated; the questions above are just so I can get a general idea of what others are doing. I don't plan on making it hard for the testers; these are just things I would like to know. Also, I don't have the luxury of sending things in with my husband; that would be a wonderful way to get feedback. That's great that you have that option. Also, another thing to remember is I'm a newby. I don't have 25 years of experience or confidence. I am sure you have definitely earned a LOT of both of those in that length of time. That will feel great once I arrive. 
Thanks again! I appreciate the feedback!
Would anyone else care to answer this with some valuable pointers that I can use?
Thanks in advance!
I use family (they tell me the truth-oh boy, do they!), friends, and co-workers. I just tell them that I need taste testers and to let me know what they think. Oh, and I use an 8" cake for my taste testing. If the majority say that it's a keeper, then it is.
Normally, it's my husband who is my official taste tester. But I agree, using family is not always a smart idea.
I also work at my kids' school, and I occasionally bring in cakes for everyone to taste and give feedback on. I am considering baking up a ton of stuff and organizing an official "taste testing" at the end of summer, when teachers come back before students. Then I can invite others ~ friends, church folk, etc., and the teachers can bring their families, and everyone can just give a 1-10 rating on each cake.
Let us know what you decide to do ~ I'd be interested to hear what others do, too!
I will bring in an 8" cake to work and by the end of lunchtime I know if it was a hit or flop by how much is left.
I will bring in an 8" cake to work and by the end of lunchtime I know if it was a hit or flop by how much is left.
Oh, this is the BEST gauge! Before I did the corporate monthly birthday cakes at my last job, the cake would still be there at my 2:00 break. When I started bringing them in (at 8:00 a.m.), I could always go clean up and pack up my stuff by 10:00.
whenever I try a new recipe, I always bring it into work and let the guys try it out. I make sure to let them know it's an experiment and I want feedback. They are very good about saying I could add something or it didn't taste quite right. I have a handful of honest feedback and then there are the others who tell you what you want to hear so you'll bring more desserts in. I've learned to distinguish between them.
I do use family (as well as others). My family will be the most honest of all and let me know if it taste like crap or is really good. I also do the monthly cakes for my hubby's job. But usually if I try something new, I'll do it at a party here...invite familly and their friends. I used to send out emails to let them know the new flavor I was trying at the party. (we always have things at our house so it's pretty easy to get someone to try things out for me) You could give out samples too. That's what I did when I worked commercially. I was responsible for making up new desserts.
Have a tasting party so you only need to make one of each cake flavor in a six or 8" size and quicly ice one layer (no torting) in either a neutral (vanilla) frosting or in the frosting you want to try. Then supply your filling options in a bowl with little spoons to scoop a little with. I gave eache person a chart that said the type of cake, then one colum for comments on cake itself and one colum for comments on cake with fillings. The people just scooped a little of each filling onto their plates and then when eating they could take a little filling on their fork along with the cake and note their comments for each filling. This allowed them to taste all fillings with all cakes and note their favorite combinations and their least favorite. I served large glasses of cold water for drinking between each flavor taste. It worked out really well.
I use tasters. I have a few regular customers who I use as taste testers. They are families of 4 or more. Sometimes I'll add the item in with an order, sometimes I'll just call and bring it. I also use the staff at my local Papertown. That works nicely because they have a couple of teenagers, young adults, and some "middlish" age adults, so I get feedback from a variety of ages. When using a family (customer), I usually start with one. If everyone liked it, I consider it a go. If I get mixed reviews, but no specific suggestions I may try it on another family. If they have specific suggestions, I do another trial and send it to them again. This has only happened once or twice. Also, only give one thing to test at a time. People get confused easily.
I don't usually send a form. I've only done this at a tasting party. I do remind them that I will be asking them for specifics about the item. I ask how they liked the taste, texture, and appearance. Then I ask if there was anything they thought would improve it.
The other thing I do for testing is that whenever I host a group at my house or when it's my turn to provide food after a service at Shul, I make new things. Depending on how much is left, how much is thrown away and how many people comment, I know if it was a winner or not. I just did this this past week. I hosted a learning group and tested the Viennese Triangles I posted today. They were so popular people were filling napkins on their way out! 
Good luck,
Kathi
Thank you so much! These are great ideas and I appreciate them all! I will come back to this thread and let you know how mine goes. Can't wait to try your ideas.
Thanks again!
GREAT question Ritzy Fritz!! thanks for asking it.
Thanks for the ideas everyone.
I have 2 families I usually use as testers. I really like the idea of hosting a testing at my home, or event. That sound like it would work much better, and really get MORE feedback.
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